So Frustrated!

moper said

I personally have not had good luck with mass rebuilders. As an ASE Master I isntalled a lot of "rebuilt" engines. Most were designed to last just through the warranty. That's not to demean CME - I went to the site and it's hard to gage a mass rebuilder or a local shop that's got a lot of motivation. IMO - even given the fact that they do a lot of work, the prices are too good to be true. I'd look for references from customers that have the race and street/strip engines.
My own feelings have always been to be in control of parts choice and machining choices, and to have a face to go get in if there was some reason to later. If you buy one, go bigger.
In terms of balancing - IMO - yes. Every engine I build gets internally balanced. It's the best way to do it, the results are feelable, and the payback is in power, lifespan, and efficiency.

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I feel the same way with the whole you get what you pay for. Its really is sticking in my mind. I think Im going to use the local engine builder since they have been great talking to me and all my questions. Not to mention if I do have a issue with the engine I can get the car to them and not having to try to get a issue delt with over the phone.

I would love to put the engine together myself. I just dont trust myself enough to make sure that its going to be up to standards. I totally understand what was said about paying a shop labor time and mark up on having them build it. They will warranty it for 3 years, myself if I mess it up and install something wrong, dont get the right push rods or who knows what, it could mean another tear down.

I know the sticker shock of $2200 for the original engine shop had me frustrated and upset. Well still does actually. Now that I have had all these great opinions and helpful suggestions I think Im just going to bite the bullet and have it all done for me. For just a little bit more cash than the $2200 I can have a rebuilt engine with the upgrades I want. Ok minus the KB pistons. That one is just going to have to wait.

Here is my current thought for the engine

318
Eddy Performer Intake and 600CFM carb
Comp XE268 Cam, lifters and springs,
Balanced
302 heads ported (shop thinks they have a set) If not any other heads I should ask for? Otherwise I have stock heads that are already ported.

Any other suggestions or thoughts to wake up a 318? Also what HP did a stock 318 make? Any ideas what it may make after?